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England Travel Guide: How to Make the

Most of Your Holiday

England is a pleasant land filled with exhilarating, eccentric, and


intriguing characteristics. Although small, England is blessed with a wide
array of wonderful landscapes. It has ten national parks and over thirty
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Imagine all the green fields, plains,
moorlands, and ancient woodlands that you can explore!

Apart from England’s natural beauty, it is also a place filled with history.
The story of this country stretches back to over five thousand years. The
past can be constantly seen and experienced in England. Just look at
the many ruins of castles that are perched on hilltops and the mysteries
of the stone circles in old fields. Each town, village, and city has its very
own unique stories to tell.
In the cities, there are plenty of things to do. You can visit the royal
residences, theaters, museums, art galleries, and urban parks in
London. If you’re into music, then Manchester is the place to be with its
lively music scene. Shopping, of course, is among the most enjoyable
things that you can do while you’re in England. So, be sure to visit
Brighton. Now that you have a snapshot of what England can offer, let’s
take a look at what activities you can do while there.
Contents
1. Things to Do in England
Sightseeing
Culture
Nightlife
2. Costs and Suggested Budget
Backpackers
Medium-budget Travelers
High-budget Travelers
3. Where to Go in England
4. How to Get Around in England
5. When to Go to England
6. Staying Safe in England
7. Top Resources for Traveling to England
8. Best Tours in England
9. Conclusion
Other Destinations to Try

Things to Do in England
You may already have a few ideas about what you’ll see once you set
foot on England. Yes, you’ll see double-decker buses, village pubs,
country houses, and you’ll experience the rainy weather for sure. But
other than the things you already know or think you know about England,
there are still so many unique and interesting characteristics of this
country that will surprise you. Let’s start by knowing some of the
sightseeing spots in England.

Sightseeing
England may be small but it is packed with so many sightseeing spots. If
you’re one who loves history, then England will fascinate you. Here is a
list of some of the best places to see in England.

Hadrian’s Wall - Stretching for 73 miles or 117 kilometers, the Romans,


under the leadership of Emperor Hadrian, built this wall so that they
could protect their colony against Scotland’s tribes. Hadrian’s Wall was
constructed in 122 AD and was completed in 6 years.
Warwick Castle - In 1068, William the Conqueror built this castle which
was originally a structure made of wood. By the 12th century, it was
rebuilt in stone. In the Hundred Years War, the castle’s facade was
refortified. It is a great example of military architecture.
Tower of London - This structure is known as a prison from 1100 up to
the mid-20th century. It has a reputation for being the most haunted
place in England. If you want to know if this is true, be sure to visit the
Tower of London. You just might see the ghost of Anne Boleyn.
Stonehenge - You can’t visit England and not stop by Stonehenge. It’s
not only important to England but to the whole world. Stonehenge is a
prehistoric site of a culture that didn’t leave any written records. That’s
why there are many aspects of this structure that experts are still
debating on.
Big Ben - While you’re in London, you should definitely have your
picture taken with Big Ben in the background. It’s been standing for
150 years and many don’t know that the name refers to the bell inside
the tower and not the tower itself. Sir Benjamin Hall ordered the bell,
that’s how it got its name.

Culture
If this is your first time to travel to England, you may feel nervous and
excited. You may think that their culture is entirely different from your
own. But don’t worry about that. Chances are that you have more in
common with them than you think. Here are some things that you should
know about the good people of England.

Generally, the English rules of etiquette are similar to that of the


Americans. However, there are some subtle differences. For example,
the English may find the bluntness of Americans to be startling but they
nonetheless find Americans to be charmingly friendly.
English people are extremely polite. You’ll notice that they’ll say “thank
you” at each phase of financial transactions. However, you may not hear
them say “God bless you” when a stranger sneezes. The English people
are known for the stiff upper lip but it has gotten more relaxed these
days.

To be on the safe side during social occasions, it would be best to be


observant so you can get a feel of what’s the general behavior of the
people. Just be polite and courteous. It will go a long way. Don’t be
afraid that you’ll offend people. As long as you go with the flow and don’t
attract attention to yourself, you’ll be fine.

Nightlife
Of course, England’s nightlife is also famous. So, when you travel to
England, be sure to spend some nights out with good friends. Or if
you’re traveling alone, this will be a fantastic time to meet new people
and have some good fun! Here are the top party cities in England.

Cardiff - This place is not only picturesque but it also has an amazing
nightlife. You can take your pick from a wide range of pubs and clubs.
Whenever you get hungry, don’t worry. There are also plenty of
restaurants around.
Swansea - If you like bar-crawling, then this is the place to be.
Swansea is known for the “Mumbles Mile.” In the Swansea coast, there
are bars that stretch up to a mile. You’ll never get tired of this place.
Bristol - For those who want to know where the lively LGBT scene is in
England, it’s best to visit Bristol. You can try out the comedy bars, sing
your heart out in karaoke, or even go clubbing on a boat.
Other cities you can visit are Leeds, Brighton, Manchester, Sheffield,
Liverpool, Glasgow, and Newcastle. All these places have such vibrant
night scenes that you’ll love and enjoy.

Cost and Suggested Budget


England can be quite expensive so be sure to prepare your budget so
that you can make the most of your England trip. The usual backpacking
budget is about 65 USD per day. For medium-budget travelers, you’re
going to need around 160 USD per day. And for those on a high budget,
you may need at least 400 USD per day.

Accommodations
If you’ll stay in a hostel, the cost could be around 13 to 52 USD. It’s
usually a dorm-type room. When staying in cities, the cost is typically
higher as compared to staying in the countryside. Included amenities are
laundry facilities, TV, a common room, breakfast, and internet.

For hostel private rooms, the rates start at 64 USD. Budget hotels may
start at 77 USD for a twin room. You may also choose apartment rentals.
A room starts at 46 USD to about 65 USD. If you want to rent an entire
home, then the cost could be at least 99 USD per night.

Food
If you want to save money while traveling to England, you can do that by
getting to know where the best affordable foods are. You can do your
research before you travel. You can also look and observe where the
long lines are. That’s usually an indicator of a good place to eat where
you don’t need to spend too much. For kebabs and fish and chips, you
only need two pounds.

There are also many Asian and Indian restaurants where you can get
lunch entree for 8 USD to 13 USD. Know that eating at fancy
restaurants will cost you a lot so if you want to save money so you can
spend it on other things while traveling, it would be better to avoid eating
out often.
What you can do instead is to buy a week’s worth of food. Chicken,
pasta, veggies, and fruits for a week will only be at around 57 USD.
Compare that to eating at a restaurant with a meal at 32 USD. Affordable
groceries can be bought at Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s.

Where to Go in England
While you’re in England, make it a point to visit as many places as you
can. If you don’t know where to start, this list will give you an idea of
what each place has in store for you. You’ll experience the best of
England in your travels; from the stunning beaches to the charming
countryside. There’s so much to see and do so be sure you’re ready for
a great adventure!

Bristol
If you want to taste great food and experience fun and exciting activities,
Bristol is definitely a city that you should visit. Regardless of what time of
the year you visit Bristol, there is something that you can do. If you love
history, you can visit the SS Great Britain. If you love art and pop culture,
you can see the original works of the famously anonymous artist,
Banksy.
If you arrive in Bristol during summertime, you can join festivals like the
Harbour Fest which lasts for the whole weekend. There will be lots of
free entertainment that you’ll enjoy. The International Balloon Fiesta also
happens in the summer. Or you can go food hopping at St. Nick’s which
is a place filled with mouthwatering food stalls. Visit The Stable and The
Olive Shed while you’re in Bristol as well.

The Cotswolds
This place is simply beautiful. You’ll see winding roads, flowing streams,
and stone cottages in fascinating villages. It’s as though you stepped
into a postcard and the experience is just magical. The Cotswolds is just
a two-hour drive from London. You can spend a weekend there and
even stop by Bath so you can make the most of your trip.
Summertime is going to be busy because there will be plenty of tourists.
But if you don’t mind the crowd, then visit The Cotswolds. Go to the
Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe.
After a day of sightseeing, fill your hungry stomach and quench your
thirst at The Old Fleece. Try their Sunday roast!

Newcastle upon Tyne


Don’t miss out on the liveliest and friendliest place in England. To start
your day in Newcastle, have breakfast at Quay Ingredient and taste their
famous eggs benedict. Get there as early as you can because the queue
could get quite long, especially on weekends.

After breakfast, walk along Newcastle’s riverside and then cross the
Millennium Bridge. This will get you to the Baltic Centre for
Contemporary Art. It’s absolutely free so you get to enjoy the works of
many contemporary artists. Plus, the view from level 4 will amaze you so
be sure to visit!
Another place to go to while in Newcastle is the Victoria Tunnel. It was a
wagon-way in the 19th century. And then during World War II, it was
used as a shelter. A tip here is to take along a light jacket because it’s
chilly and damp there. And also, you can book tours and do so in
advance. It will ensure that you get the most out of your trip to
Newcastle.

Bath
Once you visit Bath, it will be one of your favorite cities. It's one of the
most beautiful cities that you can experience while you're in England.
There are plenty of activities that you can try while you're in Bath. Try the
Thermae Bath Spa. It's a local spa that uses natural thermal spring
water. That's why this city is so popular among travelers.
Don't miss out on visiting the Roman Baths. There's so much to learn
about history in this place. And for those who love literature, Jane
Austen also has a connection with this city. Visit the Jane Austen Centre
and the Bath Assembly Rooms. These ballrooms were where the scenes
from Northanger Abbey and Persuasion took place. For people who
admire architecture, you'll simply love the Georgian architecture in Bath.

South Dorset
South Dorset is a place where you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes and
feast in amazing seafood. It's a place where you can enjoy outdoor
adventures. Visit the Jurassic Coast. It starts from East Devon and goes
as far as the Old Harry Rocks. Those cliffs were formed during the
Triassic Period which was over 200 million years ago. Isn't that
fascinating?
There's a castle situated on top of a hill called the Corfe Castle. You'll
love the sight of it. It was even the inspiration for Kirrin Castle of Enid
Blyton. There's also something intriguing about South Dorset. Try visiting
the Tyneham village which is a ghost village. It's been abandoned since
World War II. You're free to explore the houses there which seemed as
though it's been frozen in time.

How to Get Around in England


When you’re traveling, sometimes getting around the place isn’t so fun.
However, it’s going to be different when you’re in England. The country
has a vast transportation resource that makes traveling easy. You can
get around London in the famous double-decker buses. In the
countryside, you can travel by train, rental car, or motor-coach. There’s
nothing to worry about when it comes to transportation in England.

Nevertheless, as a traveler, you need to plot your journeys in advance


so that you can consider the costs as well as the practicalities of your
travel decisions. If you’re planning to drive around in England, do
remember that you’re going to drive on the left and the steering wheel is
found on the right. It may confuse you at the start but you’ll get the hang
of it and you’ll be fine.

Flying Around England


You’ll probably arrive in the country by plane. The major international
airports are situated in London. Some of the international carriers include
Finnair, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways.
These carriers offer both connecting and non-stop services.

Regionally, Birmingham and Manchester have busy airports as well.


They are the destinations for a lot of domestic flights. Some of the
budget airlines are Flybe, Ryanair, and EasyJet. You can take
advantage of the affordable fares and explore England by air.

Car Rental in England


One of the disadvantages of traveling by air around England is that you’ll
miss the amazing views of the countryside. You can save money by pre-
booking your car before your trip. Take into account how much you’re
going to need for gas. Know that in England, it is known as petrol. You
should also know that gas is priced per liter and not per gallon. Another
thing to take into account are the parking fees, especially in the major
cities.

But if you have and time and love to drive, you can rent a car in England
so that you can have a wonderful experience from the major cities up to
the more rural villages. If you have the budget for a car rental, it will
definitely be worth it.

By Train
England has a vast train network. Check the prices, rail passes, and
itineraries so that you can purchase tickets ahead of time. You may also
buy them at train stations anywhere in the country. Most of the train lines
accept reservations 12 weeks before the departure date of the train.

There are several train companies that you can choose from. For
instance, the Great Western Railway can take you to Cardiff, Bristol,
Cornwall and Devon, and the Cotswolds if you’re coming from London.
You may also choose East Midlands Trains if you’re going to Sheffield,
Nottingham, and Leicester. Virgin Trains links London to Manchester,
Birmingham, and Liverpool.

By Bus
If you want a less expensive option, you can take coaches and buses.
Hopefully, you have ample time while you’re in England so you can go
around the country by bus. You should know that you need to book the
tickets on the bus since the spaces are limited. You can do this online
and keep your booking reference so you can present it when you board
the coach.

While you’re in London, if you don’t mind taking the longer ride
compared to the Tube, it would be nice to experience riding the double-
decker bus. You can take this opportunity to get around the city and do
some sightseeing while you’re on the top deck.

When to Go to England

You can visit England at any time of the year. The climate in the country
is relatively temperate. If you visit during winter or summer, you don’t
have to worry about experiencing any extremes. The best time to visit
England is during spring which is from March to June.

You may also visit during autumn which is from September to


November. During these times, it’s generally warm and dry. The spring
flowers are in full bloom and you get to see the changing hue of the
leaves in autumn. Summer is usually a busy season because of the
many activities and travelers flocking into the country.
If you want to experience England in winter, you can go there from the
months of December to February. It would be a fun time to visit.
However, do check the attractions in the northern areas because they
might be closed because of the snow. But if you’re going to stay in the
main cities, they’re going to be open and the sightseeing experience will
be much quieter for you.

No matter what time of the year you choose to visit England, you'll enjoy
your holiday there. Summer may be a busy time because of the many
travelers coming to the country. But if you don't mind the crowd, then it
would be a nice time to go sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities.

Staying Safe in England


England is generally safe but just as with any other place in the world, it
would be best if you take sensible precautions. Take note that you can
call 112 or 999 for emergencies when you need to contact the fire
department, ambulance, or the police. Of course, don’t leave your
belongings unattended. If you see any unattended bags in public areas,
do call the police.

When you’re traveling in England, plan where you’re going first. At night,
avoid walking alone. And if you must walk, stay on the main roads that
are well-lit. Try not to wear your headphones when you’re in public
places. It will make you less aware of what’s happening in your
surroundings.

Since cars are being driven on the left side, always pay attention before
crossing the road. There are signs that say “look right” and “look left” so
you can check for oncoming traffic. And to make sure that you safely
crossroads, use the designated crossings.

When you’re in restaurants or bars, remember not to accept drinks from


people you don’t know. Most of the things you need to do to stay safe in
England only need common sense and the usual precautions you need
to take when you’re a stranger to the place. But if you feel that you’re in
danger, don’t hesitate to call the authorities.

Top Resources for Traveling to England


To help you with your research on how to travel to England, here are
some of the best websites where you can find more information about
the country. You can also get travel deals as well as holiday discounts
from these websites.
Cheapflights.co.uk - As the name suggests, you can search for cheap
flights on this website. Not only that, but you can also check car rentals
and hotels here. To make the most of your search, know where you
want to go and when. You can then sort the results by the smartest,
cheapest, or quickest ways.
Blue Lilo - Getting a package holiday is another way that you can save
money on your trip to England. With Blue Lilo, you can compare the
holiday deals offered by the many holiday providers like TUI, Forst
Choice, and Jet2holidays.
Srprs.me - This is a fun choice if you want to be surprised at where
you’re heading while you’re in England. You can choose between a
backpacking adventure or a city break. Determine the length of your
trip, your maximum budget, and the number of travelers. The rest will
be organized by the personal planner assigned to you. You’ll know
where you’ll be going once you arrive at the airport. It will be fun!

Best Tours in England


One of the best ways to learn about a place is by joining a tour. In
England, there are many tours that you can choose from. Whether
you’re in London, Edinburgh, Oxford, or York, you can find a tour that will
take you to the many interesting places where you will get to know the
place and the people more. Here are some of the best tours in England.

Edinburgh Tour - Be prepared because this tour is going to last for nine
exciting hours. The first stop is going to be the Holy Island. You’ll get to
see the monastery as well as taste the Monk’s mead. After that, you’ll
head off to the Northumberland coastal route where you’ll see the
Bamburgh castle. You will then experience old England in Alnwick
which is a market town.

York Cycling Tour - If you love cycling, try this York Cycling Tour. It will
last for about 2.5 hours and you’ll be cycling around the walled city of
Northern England. You will be supplied with your bicycle, helmet, and
bell. Don’t worry about safety because the city has excellent cycle
paths. Whether you’re a beginner or a cycling enthusiast, this tour will
be fun.
Liverpool Walking Tour - This tour is going to be special for Beatles
fans. The tour will last for 90 minutes. You will get to visit the Liverpool
City Museum and see the John and Yoko exhibition. Part of the tour
also includes visiting the historic Cavern Club. Apart from the Beatles
part, you can also marvel at the many magnificent cathedrals of the
city and Liverpool’s Chinatown.
Conclusion
England is a wonderful place that is filled with history and amazing
people. The sights that you’ll get to see while you’re in England will
remain with you for a very long time. You’d surely want to return to this
country once you’ve experienced it.

Now that you know the important things to prepare for your trip to
England, what are you waiting for? Book a flight and plan your
adventure! It will be a worthwhile experience. Bring your family or friends
along. There'll be plenty of things to do for everyone during the trip. Or
you can also travel solo. It's also an exciting way to get to know new
people.

And while you're looking for the best places to travel to, here are some of
the other destinations that you can consider for your trips:

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